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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Northern California wildlife preserve protects giraffes, zebras and antelope at B Bryan Preserve in Point Arena, California
You might not expect a northern California wildlife preserve along the rugged coastline.
But B Bryan Preserve has been actively committed to the breeding and preservation of African hoof stock for over a decade.

Cookie & Keller
Jul 8, 20144 min read


Bridgehouse Bed and Breakfast in Redding CA great Italian food and a unique bridge
BEAUTIFUL SUNDIAL BRIDGE IS THE CENTERPIECE FOR YEAR-ROUND RECREATION, ART, NATURE VIEWING, FABULOUS DINING The Bridgehouse Bed and Breakfast in Redding is a unique B&B. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I'D NEVER SPENT time in Redding, Calif., but the opportunity seemed too good to miss when our travels took us to Mount Shasta for a friend's 60th birthday party. Dara Engelhardt and Logan Engelhardt are part of the family enterprise that is G

Christene Meyers
Jul 1, 20144 min read


'Kayak Kid' takes to the Moss Landing waters after abstaining from the sport for decades
PERFECT SETTING, CALM CALIFORNIA WATERS HELP GIRL GET BACK IN THE BOAT Pelicans at Moss Landing were part of the lure to get Cookie back in the kayak after an accident derailed her. Cookie musters her intrepid bravery chip and prepares to kayak again. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A KAYAKING KID am I now, thanks to friends who coaxed me back onto the water. They knew I'd had a kayaking accident on my one and only attempt at the sport -- hit by a wave in

Christene Meyers
Jun 27, 20144 min read


A gypsy's life for me -- I'm never so happy as when I'm roaming
Cookie at Oceanside Harbor in southern California, with Nick and Nora, beginning a recent two-week odyssey. COOKIE'S MOTHER'S MILK: TRAVEL ENRICHES, ENLIGHTENS, ENERGISES Cookie, right, age three, sister Peny with their mother Ellen. Already, she was a "seasoned" traveler. I KEEP my passport renewed and ready to go, and my bag is always packed. I could be ready to head for the airport with a half hour's notice. I don't really care where I'm going, as long as I'm on my wa

Christene Meyers
Jun 24, 20143 min read


Farm to table Point Arena California with James and Kelle
PURPLE MARTIN'S MAJESTY GROWS FINE ORGANIC FARE James Walker Hayes washes freshly picked produce at the organic farm he and his partner, Kelle Martin, run. The historic Point Arena Lighthouse, above, is a few miles back toward town from the farm, then up the road a bit. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE APPROACH to a gardener's Eden is a good half hour outside of Point Arena, Calif., down a winding country road dense with fir, cedar, pine and redwoods. Yo

Christene Meyers
Jun 20, 20145 min read


Travel tight rope: take a road less traveled,but balance planning with spontaneity
TRAVELER'S BALANCING ACT: HAVING A GOOD TIME MEANS ENJOYING THE MOMENT, BUT BEING READY TO BE SPONTANEOUS, SMELL THE ROSES One of the continent's largest markets was a surprise find for our travelers in Sao Paulo, Brazil. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS The rugged Costa Brava provided a scenic vista with surprising views. PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER MY GRANDFATHER said, "When a plum falls from the sky, open your mouth." Thanks for the wisdom, gramps. I've enjoyed many a "plum" on yo

Christene Meyers
Jun 14, 20144 min read


Ephesus Turkey Travel Guide: Why This Ancient City Is a Must-Visit Destination
Step into the ancient world at Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites on earth. From grand Roman streets to the iconic Library of Celsus, discover why visiting Ephesus is an ancient town, a wonder of the world, is thrilling because of its history and beauty.
I've visited five times, and it never loses its magic and sense of wonder.
From the moment you board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, you're bound for another

Christene Meyers
Jun 10, 20143 min read


Bonnet House is peaceful oasis in the center of bustling Fort Lauderdale
Historic Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, manatees swim, frolic and even give birth in the waters below the boat house! Bonnet House is situated on a coastal barrier island -- with a walkway to the Atlantic Ocean on the east of the property, and the Intracoastal Waterway bracketing the West.

Cookie & Keller
Jun 6, 20143 min read


Fort Lauderdale's Itinerary - myriad charms focus on love of the natural world
AMID CITY LIFE, BUILDINGS AND BUSTLE, FLORIDA'S UNIQUE WILDLIFE THRIVES IN BIRD PARKS, EVERGLADES AND HISTORIC HOUSE

Christene Meyers
Jun 3, 20143 min read


Fort Lauderdale by water taxi - a relaxing way to see the sights, homes, foliage
THE WATER taxis glide by the town's exciting nightlife, outdoor eateries, the famous shops of Las Olas Boulevard, beautiful beaches, yacht clubs and majestic cruise ships traveling in and out of Port Everglades. Nothing worldwide compares to Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway. Its lovely canals are so unique and beautiful, they have earned Fort Lauderdale the moniker “Venice of America.” Water Taxi is the best way to see them!

Christene Meyers
May 27, 20144 min read


Battle of Crete Memorial: Resilience, bravery in a beautiful setting, a must see on a Greece tour
Beyond Crete’s famous beaches and bustling towns lies a quieter, deeply moving side of the island its serene cemeteries. Tucked among olive groves and overlooking the sea, these peaceful spaces offer a glimpse into local life, memory, and timeless tradition.

Cookie & Keller
May 23, 20144 min read
Sexy boobies, the ocean's faithful birdies, fly high, feast, fool around
This booby has his eye on the seas below, looking for a meal. He also eyes the female booby, vying for her graces. This booby is at...

Christene Meyers
May 20, 20143 min read


Cabo San Lucas travel guide -- with wowing rocks, top beaches, glass blowing, shopping and a peaceful mission
Looking for the perfect mix of beaches, adventure, and nightlife? This Cabo San Lucas travel guide covers why this Baja destination is a must-visit from iconic views to unforgettable ocean experiences. And don't miss a side trip to Todos Santos and Hotel California

Cookie & Keller
May 16, 20144 min read


Cartagena calls -- photogenic city delights with old town, street music, flowers, colonial charm
CARTAGENA is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in Americas.
Indeed, it may be one of the world's prettiest cities, with its colorful old town, cobblestone streets, pastel plazas and brilliant clusters of bougainvillea.
Cartagena is a city for romantics, historians, beach lovers and gourmets. It is considered by many one of the America's most beautiful cities.

Cookie & Keller
May 13, 20143 min read


Costa Rica's allure includes howler monkeys, old trees, sky bridges
Costa Rica's allure includes howler monkeys, old trees, sky bridges. This well educated country attracts ex-pats from abroad for its natural wonders.

Cookie & Keller
May 9, 20143 min read
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